The Role
Support development and testing of guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) and state estimation features. Run MIL/SIL simulations, analyze simulation and flight test data, build/maintain tools and test infrastructure (MATLAB/Simulink, Python), and document procedures and results.
Summary Generated by Built In
Pivotal is the leader in the emerging market of electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. We design, develop, and manufacture light eVTOL aircraft and are renowned for the BlackFly aircraft the world's first light eVTOL to fly manned missions and enter the consumer market.
Efficient, compact, and simple, Pivotal aircraft are designed for a wide range of consumer, public service, and defense applications. Our distinctive tilt-aircraft architecture and scalable platform have been flying for over 10 years. Last year we announced our next-generation aircraft, the Helix, which is rapidly progressing toward general release and scalable production in 2026.
Mobility is one of the most highly-valued areas of modern technology investments. This is the right company, in the right space, the right strategy, at the right time. If you are ready for adventure, we invite you to join our amazing team and grow with us.
Responsibilities
- Support development and testing of control and state estimation features.
- Run simulations (MIL/SIL) to assess performance and behavior.
- Analyze simulation and/or flight test data.
- Build or improve tools, scripts, and test infrastructure (MATLAB/Simulink, Python).
- Help document procedures, results, and findings.
Qualifications
- Pursuing a Bachelors or Masters degree program in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Robotics, or similar.
- Interest in eVTOL industry and personal flight
- Experience with MATLAB/Simulink and/or Python.
- Exposure to flight dynamics, controls, or estimation through coursework/projects.
- Ability to learn quickly and multi-task in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment
- Strong verbal and written communication, organization, and leadership skills
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Able to work onsite in Palo Alto, CA.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with UAVs/RC aircraft, robotics, or autonomy projects.
- Familiarity with sensor fusion, Kalman filtering, or control design.
- Experience with Git or similar tools.
Attributes aligned with Core Values
- Safety Above All: Demonstrates a proactive safety mindset by embedding safety into daily work, identifying and mitigating risks, encouraging open dialogue about safety concerns, and continuously improving practices and protocols.
- Customer Focus: Puts customers at the center of every action by understanding their challenges, delivering meaningful value, and supporting their success.
- Work Better Together: Seeks and values diverse perspectives, builds cross-functional relationships, and fosters trust through empathetic, fact-based communication and commitment to shared decisions.
- Be the Pilot: Drives results with clarity and purpose by focusing on what matters most, adapting to change, taking initiative, and owning outcomes.
- Embrace the Unknown: Navigates ambiguity with resilience and bold thinking, challenges the status quo, and combines innovative ideas with practical approaches to overcome obstacles and drive progress.
- Respect for People: Fosters a high-performance culture grounded in respect, professionalism, and support by balancing high expectations with a healthy, collaborative environment and being a trusted, dependable teammate.
Applicants must be eligible for employment in the United States and willing to work onsite at our HQ office in Palo Alto, CA.
Pivotal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Pivotal does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
Skills Required
- Pursuing a Bachelors or Masters degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Robotics, or similar
- Experience with MATLAB/Simulink and/or Python
- Exposure to flight dynamics, controls, or estimation through coursework or projects
- Ability to learn quickly and multi-task in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
- Strong verbal and written communication, organization, and leadership skills
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident / eligible for employment in the United States
- Able to work onsite in Palo Alto, CA
- Experience with UAVs/RC aircraft, robotics, or autonomy projects
- Familiarity with sensor fusion, Kalman filtering, or control design
- Experience with Git or similar version control tools
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The Company
What We Do
Pivotal, founded by Melinda French Gates, is a group of organizations dedicated to accelerating social progress for women and young people globally. Through a combination of philanthropy, strategic investments, and advocacy, the organization works to drive momentum in areas with the greatest potential for impact. By supporting leaders and innovative ideas, Pivotal aims to expand women's power and influence, ultimately fostering a more equitable and inclusive future for everyone.
